Appraisers will be on hand at event

HILLSDALE — Ever wondered what that old relic from times gone by is worth — the one that has been handed down from generation to generation?

Dig those items out from storage and bring them to the Hillsdale County Historical Society Farm Festival today at the Will Carleton Poorhouse.

Local appraisers and collectors will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in conjunction with the event to give you their opinion on the worth of items. Appraisals will be $5 for one item and $10 for up to four. Proceeds will go to help support the Hillsdale County Historical Society.

Local residents Ken Gallaway, Sid Michael and Darin Sheffer will be doing the appraisals.

Michael stressed that they will just be giving their opinions of the worth of items, with no written appraisals.

Michael, an auctioneer and certified appraiser, has been in the business for 42 years. Gallaway has been a certified antique dealer for the past 35 years and Sheffer has been collecting for the last 10 years.

“We all work together because we all have our own expertise,” said Michael.

Sheffer said last year’s appraisal event was a hit and well-attended. People from as far away as Detroit and Toledo brought items to be appraised.

The rarest item the group appraised last year was a sampler from the 1760s from Providence, R.I.

“We were surprised with the quality of items that came through last year,” Gallaway said.

Gallaway and Sheffer also raved over an art deco guitar that was brought to the event last year.

Michael said the hot items right now are local postcards, advertising (local and national), signs guns, toys and costume jewelry.

An item that is making a comeback is vintage clothing.

“Don’t throw away grandma’s trunk of clothes,” Sheffer said.

One thing the guys stressed is they can’t put a price on the sentimentality of an item. They said that is one thing a lot of people will add into the value of items they bring.

The Center Adams Antique Power and Equipment Club will have its vintage tractors and engines on display during the festival. Members of the club will compete in games during the day today.

Various craft exhibitors will be sharing their works and several antique cars will be on display. The Deal Buggy, made in Jonesville will also be on display.

The General Store will have baked goods for sale. There will also be country stew, corn on the cob and fried bread available for a donation.

Members of Vanished Hillsdale, the Facebook page originated by Greg McLogan, will be holding a reunion during the event. The Facebook page is devoted to sharing old pictures and memories of Hillsdale.

The Farm Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Will Carleton Poorhouse, 180 N. Wolcott Street, Hillsdale. There is no admission fee to the event.